Should I extend my H-1B, given that I have my EAD?

[abouttime]

I received my EAD recently and my H-1B will expire in a few months (the EAD extends a few months beyond the H1-B).

i). Should I apply for a H-1B extension now or am I better off waiting a few more months and then, applying for the EAD extension?

ii). Do I need to have a valid H1-B for the EAD to be valid? Or, are they independent?

iii). Can I work with just a valid EAD without a valid H-1B visa?

iv). What if I apply for the H-1B extension and it doesn't get approved (for whatever reason) or as per the article in rediff, if H-1B visas cease to exist (in which case, the extensions cannot happen either, I would assume)? Can I still work as I have a valid EAD or will the H-1B rejection result in invalidating the EAD as well?

Please advise.. As always, thanks very much!

 

[EAD2003]

Originally posted by abouttime
I received my EAD recently and my H-1B will expire in a few months (the EAD extends a few months beyond the H1-B).

i). Should I apply for a H-1B extension now or am I better off waiting a few more months and then, applying for the EAD extension?

Depends on ur employer. If you have a valid EAD then most likely ur employer won't bother with a H1B extension as the fees are much higher or might agree if you are willing to foot the bill.

ii). Do I need to have a valid H1-B for the EAD to be valid? Or, are they independent?
Independent.

iii). Can I work with just a valid EAD without a valid H-1B visa?
Yes you can. Take into account AC21 (180 days portability to be safe).

iv). What if I apply for the H-1B extension and it doesn't get approved (for whatever reason) or as per the article in rediff, if H-1B visas cease to exist (in which case, the extensions cannot happen either, I would assume)? Can I still work as I have a valid EAD or will the H-1B rejection result in invalidating the EAD as well?
No. But it is always safe to have a H1B to fall back on if god forbid the 485 is denied. If you are to be working on a EAD then you can't maintain H1B status but working on a H1B allows you to keep the EAD as a life jacket in difficult times.

Please advise.. As always, thanks very much!